The Rajbari Bawali

The sunset boat ride was peaceful, breathtaking, and very well arranged, thanks again to Manish. We also loved the food, especially the local Kolkata dishes, and the spa massage was one of the best we've had. The staff were warm and welcoming, and went out of their way to accommodate our toddler, which made everything feel relaxed and memorable. The grounds are beautifully preserved, full of character, and the resort somehow feels both historic and luxurious, with all the modern comforts. The journey there was hard work, though, and the road was bumpy. We left wishing we could have stayed forever, and we'll definitely come back if the trip can be made more comfortable.

I've been here for lunch once and stayed overnight another time, and both visits were pleasant overall. The old rajbari style gives the place a beautiful, distinctive feel. Lunch was tasty and well prepared, but service felt rushed with so many guests there, and the after-meal paan had run out by the time it was served. At the prices guests pay, there should be enough for everyone. Room rates now seem high, too. The ambience was the best part of the experience; more thought around pricing, service, and stock planning would make it better.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with vintage decor alongside modern amenities. The food is good, with Bengali dishes especially worth trying, plus standard Indian and Western options. They also have beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Service had the warmth and attentiveness you'd hope for in a five-star hotel, though there can be minor maintenance issues. The restored palace feels regal and clean, with lush courtyards and plenty of historic charm. Some people may find the premium rates expensive, but for many the heritage character makes them worthwhile. There are pools and a spa, though both could use small improvements. The Rajbari Bawali sits about an hour from the Taj Bengal, towards Diamond Harbor. This 300 year old property covers 3 acres and has two natural waterbodies. It belonged to the Bawali Mondal family, whose land grants go back to Akbar's time.

The room's air conditioning failed around 12:30 AM. It was temporarily fixed, then stopped again, so at 1:30 AM we had to move rooms with our 9-year-old child. That disrupted everything. Our child couldn't sleep until 3:00 AM, and the extra bed I used was uncomfortable, leaving me sore the next morning. The AC in our original room still hadn't been repaired by the following day, so getting ready in the hot, humid weather was uncomfortable. We missed the morning pool and left tired instead of refreshed. A discount doesn't make up for the disruption, discomfort, or poor handling, and at checkout no senior manager spoke with us about it. The receptionist was left to pass messages indirectly. We had chosen The Rajbari Bawali for my wife's birthday and paid Rs. 12390 including tax for a premium Zamindari Suite. For that price, I expected a luxury heritage resort, but the room had no TV or mini fridge, and its cramped queen bed wasn't even king size. There was no heritage tour despite repeated requests. Nobody explained what amenities were available, and we only heard about the games room at checkout. It's not child friendly either, with no bicycles or suitable activities for kids. The property looks attractive, but the maintenance and coordination felt poor and the stay was far from luxurious. For the same sort of price, a standard five-star hotel in Kolkata would be much better. If you're after a luxury stay, avoid this hotel and choose a city property instead.